Drivers have been warned they could be hit with a £1,000 fine for not drinking enough water.
Merseyside has been basking in the summer sunshine this week with temperatures expected to reach highs of 23C today. An expert has urged motorists to stay hydrated in the warm conditions, especially if they are making a long distance journey.
Symptoms of dehydration can include dizziness and loss of focus - and the Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options has urged drivers keep their water intake topped up to avoid a £1,000 for failure to have proper control of your vehicle.
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Mike Thompson said: “We’re used to checking the water and oil levels of our car before we set off but how many people check their own water levels? When starting your car before a long-distance journey, you may not think drinking an extra glass of water before leaving the house would affect your driving abilities, but you would be wrong.
“Drinking more water will not only have a positive effect on the body but will also prevent the chance of dizziness or loss of focus because of it.”
Research from Loughborough University shown even a mild form of dehydration is the equivalent of being over the limit when calculating errors in driving. Leasing Options has provided drivers with four tips for how to avoid dehydration while driving:
- Drink water before your journey
- Keep a water bottle handy
- Take regular breaks
- Avoid excessive air-conditioning usage, as this can have a drying effect on the atmosphere
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